"Hillary is smart, she's determined, and most importantly, she is a champion for the American people," Emanuel said in a statement Friday. "I'm proud to make my support for her official, and I'm even prouder to join more than two million Americans encouraging her to run."

"When I worked with her in the White House, I saw what an effective leader she was -- like when she spoke out on women's rights in Beijing and when she played an instrumental role in passing the Children's Health Insurance Program," he continued. "I've seen firsthand how Hillary has inspired women and men, and girls and boys, here in America and across the globe, and I know that as president, she would continue to move our country forward."

Emanuel's relationship with the Clintons stretches back years and across administrations. He served as a senior advisor during Bill's tenure in the White House and counted Hillary as a colleague in President Barack Obama's cabinet, where he was Chief of Staff and she Secretary of State.

He is also a master fundraiser with strong ties to the West Coast's wealthiest Democrats and a campaign war chest of $7 million and counting.

Given Emanuel's shaky standing here in the Windy City, rallying support -- and gobs of money -- for Hillary, a mega-popular through polarizing political figure, could be one way to regain Chicago's love as he tries to secure another term at City Hall.